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Northeast District

The Northeast District is an eclectic mix of neighborhoods. From the high-rise buildings in downtown's Financial District to the extravagant mansions on Nob Hill to the grittiness of the Tenderloin, the Northeast District is nothing if not diverse. The neighborhoods in this district include:

• Downtown/Financial District
• Nob Hill
• North Beach
• Russian Hill
• Tenderloin
• Telegraph Hill

View healthcare facilities in this district

Downtown/Financial District
Known as the "Wall Street of the West," San Francisco's Financial District is the heart of downtown San Francisco. It's boundaries are Washington Street to the north, Market Street to the south, Montgomery Street to the west, and the San Francisco Bay to the east. The Financial District has been the center of San Francisco's banking industry since 1852. This upscale area features outstanding and unique architecture, including the typewriter-shaped Hyatt Regency hotel, and the TransAmerica Pyramid building, one of the area's most distinctive architectural structures.

Although the Financial District is predominantly a commercial area, residential housing is becoming more widespread—mainly condominiums and large apartment complexes, which appeal to the young urban professionals who work in the area.

The neighborhood is adjacent to the historic Embarcadero Center on San Francisco's waterfront. Formerly the longshoremen's district and the site of the earthquake-demolished Embarcadero Freeway, this revitalized area now is a multi-block complex of skyscrapers, with more than 130 retail shops and restaurants, a five-screen cinema, and several outdoor cafés.

Nob Hill
Originally settled by railroad and mining magnates, Nob Hill has some of the most exclusive homes in the city. Many of the original mansions were destroyed in the 1906 fire, but Nob Hill remains an affluent and exclusive neighborhood in the heart of the city. In addition to the extravagant homes, this neighborhood has some of the city's finest hotels and upscale restaurants. Grace Cathedral, a replica of Notre Dame in Paris, is a neighborhood landmark, as is Huntington Park—the site of many art shows—with its replica of a 16th century Roman fountain.

The neighborhood remains primarily residential. In addition to the homes on "Snob Hill," many multi-unit apartment buildings can be found throughout the neighborhood. This area is heavily populated, and because of the narrow streets, it can be difficult to find a place to park. There is, however, excellent access to public transportation; this is a great place to live if you don't have a car. Nob Hill's boundaries are Clay Street to the north, Powell Street to the east, Bush Street to the south, and Van Ness Avenue to the west.

North Beach
Often compared to Paris' Left Bank, North Beach is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in San Francisco. This area once was home to Italian immigrants and its strong European influence is still evident, but the neighborhood today is a diverse mix of residents, all of whom enjoy the almost nonstop activity in the area.

A large number of shops, coffeehouses, bakeries, cabarets, jazz clubs, galleries, restaurants, and gelato parlors are situated within an area of about one square mile. Bordered by Beach Street, the Embarcadero, Washington Street, and Columbus Avenue, North Beach is one of the oldest and prettiest neighborhoods in San Francisco. Housing options are generally rental units in old apartment buildings or renovated flats, but there also are some single-family homes. Rents are moderate, but because North Beach is such a favored area, availability of apartments tends to be limited. Finding a parking place can be close to impossible, but access to public transportation is excellent.

Russian Hill
Built on one of San Francisco's steepest hills, Russian Hill has breathtaking views in every direction, sunny weather throughout most of the year, and a number of entertainment and shopping options. The Aquatic Park, the Maritime Museum, and Fisherman's Wharf all are nearby, as are Ghirardelli Square, Union Square, Chinatown, and Market Street.

The neighborhood has its own shopping area, concentrated along Polk Street, where you'll find coffee shops, specialty stores, ice cream shops, corner groceries, fresh produce markets, antique shops, sidewalk cafés, boutiques, and restaurants. Russian Hill boasts many grand and elegant homes (with price tags to match), but there also are condominiums and apartment buildings. Less expensive rental options generally are available the closer you travel toward North Beach. Russian Hill is bordered by Bay Street to the north, Columbus Avenue to the east, Broadway to the south, and Van Ness Avenue to the west.

Tenderloin
Although it's purportedly the "worst neighborhood in San Francisco," the Tenderloin is working to upgrade its image. It's still one of San Francisco's most economically disadvantaged areas, and there have been some failed attempts at urban renewal, but the neighborhood has great architectural and historical significance, as well as a dedicated group of residents who are trying to erase any evidence of urban blight. It's within walking distance of the Civic Center, City Hall (modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome), the new City Library (home to over one million books), Herbst Theater, the War Memorial, and Symphony Hall. The neighborhood is bounded by California Street to the north, Powell Street to the east, Market Street to the south, and Van Ness Avenue to the west.

The Tenderloin got its name from the days when policemen would get extra pay to walk the beat in this then-undesirable neighborhood, which afforded them the ability to buy the choicest cuts of meat, like tenderloin. Although the neighborhood is in transition, the heavy influx of Vietnamese immigrants in the last two decades has been instrumental in giving the area its face lift. You'll still find a large number of massage parlors, liquor stores, and aggressive panhandlers here, but there also are corner markets, neighborhood restaurants and cafés, jazz and blues clubs, and bookstores. Housing is mainly apartments, flats, and "residence inns." Community groups are working to boost the business climate while maintaining affordable rents.

Photo Credit: SFCVB

Telegraph Hill
At the end of the 19th century, the Telegraph Hill neighborhood had an ethnically diverse population (Irish, Italians, Germans, Spanish, Portuguese) of middle-class folks who made their living in the fishing and shipping industries. Once the neighborhood became accessible by automobile, however, the wealthy families of San Francisco discovered the panoramic views from the area—it's from this vantage point you can see the Bay Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, and downtown San Francisco. Telegraph Hill soon became a desirable—and expensive—neighborhood in which to live.

Coit Tower, a 180-foot tower resembling a fire hose nozzle, sits at the top of Telegraph Hill. The neighborhood is bordered by Francisco Street to the north, Sansome Street to the east, Broadway to the south, and Grant Avenue to the west. This is a charming neighborhood with cliff-side homes and angled streets. Housing here is a mix of single-family houses, apartments, and smaller condominium buildings, but because Telegraph Hill is an upscale neighborhood, rents are high regardless of the type of housing. Most residents consider the expense a fair trade for the spectacular view and great location—it's a 10-minute walk to downtown.

Healthcare facilities in the Northeast District::

• Saint Francis Memorial Hospital
• Chinese Hospital